TW: mention of disordered eating, weight loss and mental health
Despite the body positive movement we saw throughout the 2010s, there is no denying there has been a cultural shift. Reminiscent of the trends we saw in the 90s and early 2000s, it seems like everybody in Hollywood is losing weight.
When the topic of the new rise in ultra-skinny is discussed, the rise in popularity of GLP-1s is often said to be at fault. These drugs work by suppressing appetite and can lead to very rapid and sudden weight loss.
GLP-1 drugs (also known as Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy) have exploded into the mainstream, even so much so that prominent celebrity athletes are promoting them. In the UK, an estimated 1.6 million people used GLP1s with the goal of weight loss between early 2024 and early 2025, with approximately 95% of those accessing them via private prescriptions rather than the NHS. In the US, 1 in 8 adults have used a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic or Mounjaro in their lifetime. It is worth noting that GLP-1 drugs are also used for managing Type 2 diabetes, and have been deemed clinically appropriate for those managing an obesity-related condition, however the danger is them being used by those who are already at a healthy weight, suffered with disordered eating or their results glamourized.
But GLP-1 drugs are to blame? Trickling down from the red carpet, this new desire for thinness has also run rampant on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. In the summer of 2025, TikTok had to ban #SkinnyTok, which had been utilised to share dangerous ‘diet’ tips, ‘thinspiration’ and for fostering a dangerous environment where eating disorder behaviours were shared and encouraged. Whether TikTok has been successful in squashing this dangerous trend by simply banning a hashtag, is up for much debate. A 2022 investigation found TikTok showed users with known eating disorder history over 3 times more ‘pro-anorexia’ content, even without active engagement.
Whilst the main focus of the conversation around undereating surrounds weight loss, little is mentioned of other consequences. Rapid weight loss-through extreme restriction, GLP-1 drugs or both, can lead to the body losing a high percentage of lean muscle mass. Almost as much as 40%.
Long term, consistent undereating can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies, which can cause hair loss, extreme fatigue and digestive issues. Being underweight can lead to brittle bones, infertility and in the most extreme of cases, heart failure.
Mental health is also greatly impacted, a lack of calories affects serotonin and dopamine production, which can intensity anxiety and depression. This works as a negative feedback loop, often worsening depression anxiety and depression leads to further restriction.
It is not entirely out of our hands however. There are some personal steps we can take to support our mental and physical health. Please note this is not a replacement for professional mental health support, just some tips to help with the day to day.
Detox your Feed
Only follow accounts that promote a balanced, healthy relationship with food. Unfollow or block those that glamourize ‘being skinny’ or dangerous eating habits. This can look like excessive what I eat in a day videos, ‘body-checking’ (videos of a person showing their body as a main focus of the video) and depictions of a very low calorie diet.
Talk About It
Normalising the conversation is incredible powerful. If you notice a friend losing significant weight and receiving compliments for it, gently checking in matters.
Shift the Goal from Looking to Functioning
Ask yourself: what do I want my body to be able to do? Dance at a wedding, run for a bus, focus at work, sleep well, feel strong. These are measurable, personal and entirely independent of a number on a scale.
If anything in this article has resonated with you or someone you know, support is available. We have included some resources that may be of help:
Beat
0808 801 0677 (England)
0808 801 0433 (Wales)
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. Also provides a directory of support services at HelpFinder.
bacp.co.uk
Professional body for talking therapy and counselling. Provides information and a list of accredited therapists.
First Steps ED
firststepsed.co.uk
Advice and support for anyone affected by eating disorders.
Hub of Hope
Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain
oagb.org.uk
Local support groups for people with eating problems.